USC vs. Oregon matchup has twists

Published Oct. 29, 2010 9:27 p.m. ET

foxsports

Los Angeles Times

October 29, 2010

USC, long the giant of the Pacific 10 Conference, is hoping to play spoiler against an Oregon team that not only is the defending conference champion but has designs on a Bowl Championship Series title. This is the first time since 1988 that the Trojans have hosted a No. 1-ranked opponent. Notre Dame won that game and went on to win the national title. Staff writer Gary Klein looks at the game's key issues and matchups:

Turf differential

Much has been made of Oregon's team speed and the breakneck pace with which the Ducks run Coach Chip Kelly's spread-option offense. But USC, which this week indulged in live tackling drills for the first time since training camp, hopes that Oregon continues a trend of being more slow-footed on the road, especially on grass.

Consider: